Thomas Stemlar

THOMAS M. STEMLAR

Cedar Rapids

Thomas M. Stemlar,

78, a resident of Surprise, Ariz., and Mequon, Wis., died peacefully at Hospice of the Valley on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2016, surrounded by loved ones. He lived bravely and graciously with cancer until the very end.

Thomas Mullin Stemlar was born Oct. 24, 1937, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Sidney C. Stemlar and Blanche (Mullin) Stemlar. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in 1955. After high school, he attended Loras College in Dubuque for a year before entering the U.S. Army, where he served two years in Korea. While a student at the University of Iowa, Tom married Marlene McLaughlin in 1959 and graduated with a BBA in 1961. That same year, he earned his certificate in public accounting and joined the accounting firm of Andersen Worldwide. He went on to become a partner and to hold several leadership positions during his 35-year tenure.

After retiring in 1996, Tom served as a board member for several organizations including Ministry Healthcare Corporation, Dresser Corporation and Fresh Brands Inc. He was honored to receive the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) Sustained Contribution Award, which recognizes those who have contributed measurably to the AICPA and the CPA profession through their volunteer service.

While hard work and determination were instrumental to Tom's career success, all who knew him would agree his strong faith, steadfast love for his family and friends, positive outlook and passion for helping others were his guiding force. Throughout his life, including during his illness, giving back was a priority. It gave him great joy to serve on any scale, from helping build a school for girls in Ethiopia to visiting with residents at the local nursing home. He loved encouraging people to "have faith, have fun, make a difference, make some money – in that order." He led by example.

Tom will be remembered as a devoted husband, world-class family man, dedicated colleague, compassionate servant and loyal friend to many. We will forever miss his easy smile, unwavering optimism and his kind and generous spirit.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 56 years, Marlene; his five children, Kelly (Jeff) MacDonald, Grayslake, Ill., John Stemlar, Atlanta, Ga., Gina (Jake) Sweede, North Prairie, Wis., Susan (Robert) Wagemann, Lake Bluff, Ill., and Carolyn (Kevin) Parks, Atlanta, Ga.; eight grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Mary (Stemlar) Stevenson; and his brother, John S. Stemlar.

The family wishes to express their overwhelming gratitude to the doctors, nurses, staff and volunteers at Columbia St. Mary's Hospital, of Mequon, Wis., as well as Del E. Webb Hospital and Hospice of the Valley, both of Surprise, Ariz.. Their medical expertise, compassionate care and kindness were an invaluable support during these last several months.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's memory to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; or to Society of St. Vincent DePaul, National Council of the United States, 58 Progress Parkway, Maryland Heights, MO 63043-3706.

A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, at St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, 17111 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, Ariz. Additional services will be held at Lumen Christie Catholic Church, Mequon, Wis., at a later date.